Update - Defence Support To Tsunami Relief In Aceh

Update - Defence Support To Tsunami Relief In Aceh

A second aero-medical evacuation team will be sent to Banda Aceh to assist in the evaluation of assessment of injured civilians for air transport, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

A total of eight C130 Hercules are now assisting in the massive clean-up in Indonesia following last Sunday's tsunami. Four C130 (including one New Zealand Aircraft) are moving stores within Indonesia, while another four aircraft are establishing an air bridge to move stores, equipment and people from Australia.

In addition, civilian aircraft are being used to transport stores, an additional medical capability, helicopters and helicopter crews from Australia.

The Australian Government has also decided to send a team of Air Traffic Control and Air Load staff to augment the Indonesia capability. Their task will be to assist the Indonesian staff to manage the large increase in support aircraft flying into and out of Banda Aceh. They will also help to reduce the logjams of relief stores currently occurring.

"Defence is continually assessing needs and working with Indonesian authorities to ensure we have the personnel and equipment that is of most use during the crisis," Senator Hill said.

The current ADF commitment is as follows:

* 8 C-130 Hercules (7 Australian & 1 New Zealand)

* 1 Boeing 707

* 1 Beech 350 King Air

* 2 C-130 Hercules based in Darwin for on-going air lift

* An advance assessment/planning team in Sumatra

* An advance medical team

* Water Purification Plant

* HMAS Kanimbla

* 2 Sea King Helicopters

* 2 Landing Craft

* Primary medical team and care facility

* 100 Engineers and engineering equipment to be loaded in Darwin

* Communications

* 4 UH-1H Iroquois helicopters

* Field Hospital

* Headquarters staff (Sumatra)

* Hundreds of personnel supporting the operation from within Australia

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